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Suspension from college

Linda

My daughter has not yet been formally diagnosed, but is almost certainly autistic.

She recently had a meltdown at college that lasted nearly 3 hours, something that has not really happened before, usually has shutdowns, but she had just finished her final exam and so been a particularly stressful period.

 After this episode, the college suspended her until they college powers had met to discuss what happens next.  Their decision was to allow her back to college for only 4 days out of the final 10 weeks because she is an ‘A’ grade student.  They also said she could no longer use the college bus and they wanted her to suspend all work placements.  She needs her routine and this has caused a lot more stress and anxiety, we have tried to get the college to understand this to no avail. They have also described her as a risk to other students and staff, despite their being no evidence to back up this statement, especially with her first reaction in these instances always being to remove herself from areas with other people.  

We have requested a meeting with the college including the disabilities coordinator, which is after Easter.  it would be good to see if anyone else has had a similar experience and what advice you have?

  • in reply to Ann :)

    I forgot to mention: The assessment with Sarah and the assessment with the psychiatrist were all done online. 

  • in reply to WeddellSeal

    I took early retirement during the Covid lockdown, but I worked for 34 years in universities. Most of the time I was a researcher in tropical disease, using molecular biology and cell biology methods, but for the last 9 years I managed a number of scientific facilities in a research institute. I preferred the research, however, but the grant funding ran out. I wasn't diagnosed as autistic until shortly after I retired. Scientific research really suited me, I think it plays to autistic strengths. A surprising number of people involved in academia, especially science, technology and engineering, show autistic traits, though the proportion who would be diagnosable is difficult to estimate.

    I understand how situations can generate emotions that are unbearable, luckily, though I have the urge to head-bang and hit myself, it acts like an off-switch for me and my meltdowns last just a few seconds. I can't imagine how horrible meltdowns lasting so long must be.

  • in reply to Ann :)

    Thanks Ann I will investigate that option 

  • in reply to Martin

    Also, zoology was dwindling another option for me, as I’m currently studying animal management. Do you still work in that area of study?

  • in reply to Martin

    Thanks Martin, we have asked the doctor for a referral to the assessment unit, which we are waiting for at the moment. The college are actually aware of this, as in their words, they don’t want her to have too many outside distractions, whilst she is ‘being poked and prodded by the doctors’ ! I will see if we can get a letter from the docs before he meeting 

  • in reply to WeddellSeal

    I hope the college will be reasonable. I was diagnosed privately via Sara Heath: Autonomy Plus - Pre-Diagnostic (shropshireautonomy.co.uk) (She does the pre-diagnostic assessment but if she thinks someone is autistic, they can then go see a consultant psychiatrist she works with who will be able to diagnose if appropriate)- it sounds like you are already in the process of getting a diagnosis, but I thought I would share this just in case (it is one of the more affordable private options). I think Sara might also be able to offer advice regarding how to best approach the school/college. It might be worth giving her a phone call- She is very friendly. 

  • in reply to Martin

    We’re currently trying to get a diagnosis, and thought the same thing about the discrimination part. Hopefully the college will agree to compromise during the next review

  • A clinical diagnosis would help your position immensely. However, a note about likely autism from a GP or other clinician would be almost as useful. Having been referred for autism assessment would be a bonus. Once you have some independent medical information to back up your claim of autistic status, then the college has to take this into account, they cannot ignore it, as to do so would place them in a position of discriminating on the grounds of disability and this does not look good.

    BTW, I did marine biology as part of my zoology degree.

  • This is me she’s talking about, so if anyone wants further information, feel free to ask